Plummer-Vinson syndrome and dilation therapy: a report of two cases

Plummer-Vinson syndrome is known as the association of postcricoid dysphagia, upper esophageal web, and iron deficiency anemia. Although correction of iron deficiency may result in resolution of dysphagia and sometimes disappearance of the webs, dilation therapy is usually necessary to remove webs and relieve dysphagia. We report two cases of Plummer-Vinson syndrome. Both patients presented with significant and longstanding dysphagia, sideropenia, glossitis and koilonychia. Our two patients had occasional choking and aspiration episodes at eating and endoscope did not pass through at the level of the upper esophagus. Patients' esophagograms revealed the presence of webs in part of the post-cricoid region. Both patients were treated with esophageal bougienage or balloon dilation, and iron supplementation. The patients were examined periodically for two years after the initial treatment and found to be in good general condition.